One of the controversial “Cherera four” IEBC Commissioners, Justus Nyang’aya, has since resigned from the electoral authority.
This comes after President William Ruto officially suspended him, IEBC Vice Chair Juliana Cherera, and fellow Commissioners Francis Wanderi and Irene Masit.
In a following letter to President Ruto on Friday, Nyang’aya expressed his thanks for the opportunity to serve his country during his tenure on the commission.
He stated that he made the decision to step down out of a desire to put the interests of the country ahead of his own, adding that he came to that decision after praying about it.
He stated, “I tender my resignation as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with effect from today with a heavy heart.”
“Over the past few weeks, I have engaged in intense introspection and, as a man of religion, have prayed passionately for the wisdom to make a choice that is in the best interests of the nation. We all concur that national interests must always take precedence above personal interests.
He continued, “I have always tried to behave in the country’s best interest, but my acts, taken in good faith, have been misinterpreted. I am appreciative that I have the chance to serve our wonderful country, and I hope to do so in other positions as well.
The four Commissioners were placed on administrative leave by President Ruto, who also established a tribunal to hear a petition to have them removed from their positions.
They were instructed to resign from their positions pending the tribunal’s advice by the Head of State in a Gazette Notice published on Friday.
He said that the commissioners’ dismissal was recommended by the National Assembly in response to their actions on August 9, 2022, when the general election was held.
The tribunal’s members include Carolyne Kamende Daudi, Linda Gakii Kiome, Mathew Njaramba Nyabena, and Col. (Rtd.) Saeed Khamis Saeed, who was later appointed as the tribunal’s chair by the president.
Peter Munge Murage will serve as the lead Counsel, assisted by Zamzam Abdi Abib, and Kibet Kirui Emmanuel and Irene Tunta Nchoe will serve as joint secretaries for the tribunal.
The action was taken one day after the National Assembly accepted a recommendation from the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) urging the establishment of a tribunal to look into the actions of the four commissioners.
According to JLAC Chairperson George Murugara, there were sufficient reasons to support the suspension of the Commissioners.
Part of the committee’s report stated that the petition by the Republican Liberty Party listed Mrs. Juliana Cherera, Ms. Irene Masit, Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang’aya as IEBC commissioners as having committed serious violations of the constitution and other laws.
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